Pancake syndrome after vegan supplementation

Carlos L. Sarango-Parrales, Department of Allergology, Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid, Spain
Stephany I. Briones-Alvarado, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Complutense University of Madrid, Gregorio Marañon Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
Marta Bernaola, Department of Allergology, Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid, Spain
Cristina Veintimilla, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Complutense University of Madrid, Gregorio Marañon Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
Angélica Quito-Parra, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Complutense University of Madrid, Gregorio Marañon Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
Ana Umpierrez, Department of Allergology, Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid, Spain

Pancake syndrome or anaphylaxis after mite ingestion, known as “OMA” (Oral Mite Anaphylaxis), is a rare condition characterized by an immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction, usually severe, after consumption of mite-contaminated flours. Its prevalence is unknown, but it has been associated with different families of mites and foods such as flours, cereals, seeds, tea leaves, and sausages. Symptoms, of rapid or immediate onset, can range from urticaria, bronchospasm to anaphylaxis. Cases of exercise-induced OMA have also been reported. The first reported case of anaphylaxis due to mite ingestion was in 1993 due to consumption of a flour preparation for making beignets (fried dough). The commercial mixture under the microscope revealed the presence of Dermatophagoides farinae.

Keywords: Pancake. Syndrome. Oral mite anaphylaxis. Dermatophagoides. Mites.